Donna Murray-Brown Bio

Donna Murray-Brown is the president and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting antiracism and social justice. MNA, a statewide membership organization, achieves its mission through advocacy, training, technology services and civic engagement. Murray-Brown is the driving force behind MNA’s strategic direction and operations.

Before becoming president and CEO in 2013, Murray-Brown served as director of the Metro Detroit Partnership Office and senior director of capacity building at MNA where she led a successful strategic alliance program for arts and culture organizations in metro Detroit and steered the merger negotiations of four organizations to create the Belle Isle Park Conservancy. Additionally, Murray-Brown has served over 20-years in various senior management roles in the banking industry, including vice president and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) director for Charter One Bank, where she developed and executive CRA strategy.

Murray-Brown is the past chair for the National Council of Nonprofits and vice chair of the Detroit Public Television Board of Trustees. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on Northern Michigan University’s Board of Trustees, and she joined Candid’s board in 2021.

Murray-Brown earned a master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a BS in Business Administration from Central State University. She holds certifications in corporate community affairs from Boston College and strategic perspectives in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.

Yuriy Flit - Bio

Yuriy has worked at Michigan Nonprofit Association as a tech specialist for the past 3 years. His duties include handling cybersecurity and the help desk for multiple organizations.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Security & Intelligence from Ferris State University. In his free time, he loves exploring new places, camping, and powersports.

Joan Gustafson - Bio

Joan Gustafson is External Affairs Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). Founded in 1990, Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA)  is a 501 © (3) charitable charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting anti-racism and social justice. MNA is a statewide membership organization that achieves its mission through advocacy, training, technology services and civic engagement.

 Joan is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and communication strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region. Joan was also appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022.

Joan holds a degree in economics from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, you'll find Joan golfing or reading.  

Beckie Hawes-Baggett - Bio

As the Finance and Operations Officer at Michigan Nonprofit Association, Beckie provides strategic leadership and support for MNA’s business and finance functions including accounting, budgeting, human resources, and grants management.  She has over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector.

 Beckie holds a bachelor of science in finance and pre-law from Central Michigan University (CMU), and an MSA in organization and leadership from CMU. Fire up CHIPS!

Beckie resides in Southeast Michigan with her husband, their three kids, and two dogs. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, traveling, and exploring the Mitten State!

Claire Horlings - Bio

Claire is the Business Development Officer at Michigan Nonprofit Association. She is responsible for all business development activities which includes membership cultivation and retention, network growth, customer service strategy and sales. 

She has over a decade of experience in the for profit and nonprofit sector with a focus on relationship management, fund development and marketing. Claire most recently served as the vice president of development at The Colossian Forum in West Michigan where she led fund development campaigns. Before that, she oversaw fund development for Kent District Library, the largest public library system in Grand Rapids’ Kent County. 

Claire holds a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University and has extensive fundraising training from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is vice president of the West Michigan Asian American Association and is a STRIVE mentor and member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.

In her spare time, Claire loves to root for the Spartans! She also enjoys reading, exercising, and is a self-proclaimed foodie!  She resides in West Michigan with her family and their two dogs, Izzy and Rudy.   

Adam King - Bio

Adam is the director of information technology services at Michigan Nonprofit Association and is responsible for the promotion, development and implementation of IT services for nonprofits statewide. He oversees the MNA Tech team, provides strategic IT support for nonprofits, and ensures the smooth operation of the Nonprofit Center located at the Armory in Lansing.  

Adam attended Central Michigan University where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 2001.

In his free time, he enjoys audiobooks, camping, and wrestling with his three sons.

Kelley Kuhn - Bio

In her role as vice president of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), Kelley Kuhn provides ongoing support and expertise to management and senior leadership personnel. Founded in 1990, Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is a 501 © (3) charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting anti-racism and social justice and Kelley executes MNA’s core values and beliefs.

Prior to joining MNA, Kelley worked for a variety of entities including the Jackson County Community Foundation and the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center where she served as executive director.  

She earned a bachelor of science degree in community health education from Western Michigan University, and she holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University. In January 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed her to the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission.  

Kelley is passionate about volunteering in her local community and helping nonprofits. She believes nonprofits are at the heart of addressing some of the most pressing issues in local communities. She resides in Saline with her family and their adorable dog, Jackson.

Caleigh Noonan Bio

Caleigh Noonan is a Relationship Manager at Michigan Nonprofit Association. She oversees customer service inquiries, MNA’s Job Center, and sales for MNA membership and products. She works closely with prospective members and current members to determine the best solutions and services to help nonprofits achieve their goals.

Caleigh started with MNA in the fall of 2019 and previously served as MNA's Executive Coordinator. In this capacity, she worked closely with MNA's president and CEO, and was liaison to MNA's Board of Directors.  

Caleigh earned a BA in advertising management from Michigan State University. Go Green! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, going to concerts, and playing with her dog, Martha.

Sarah Pinder Bio

Sarah Pinder is the Engagement Director at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). In this role, she works to connect MNA members with resources and benefits, develop member value, and manage special projects.

Sarah has spent more than a decade helping nonprofits. Prior to joining MNA in June of 2014, Sarah worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint where she helped thousands of local youth reach their full potential.

Sarah holds a BA in communication from Michigan State University and is a proud fur-mama!

Tammy Pitts Bio

Tammy Pitts is the director of communications and marketing at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She is responsible for all external communications, marketing, and media relations strategy and execution across the organization. Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing and brand management. Prior to joining MNA, she served as the senior producer of News 10 Today at WILX for over 17 years where she coordinated content for a daily broadcast. Most recently, she was the communications editor for the dean of International Studies and Programs (ISP) at Michigan State University.

Tammy holds a MBA from Walden University and earned a BA in communication from Michigan State University. She resides in Lansing with her family which includes her two sons and their goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Spartans. Go Green!

Mark Shaw Bio

Mark is the consulting manager at MNA Technology Services and  provides support to a variety of nonprofits. With more than three decades of experience, Mark has authored many of the technical assessments issued by MNA Tech and is the recipient of numerous awards.  

Mark attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering.  

Deanna Tocco Bio

Deanna Tocco is the office administrator at Michigan Nonprofit Association. In this role, she provides high-level administrative support to the senior leadership team and is adept at strategic problem solving on opportunities that advance MNA’s mission. She also serves as liaison to MNA’s board of directors.

Deanna brings over three decades of nonprofit experience and leadership to MNA. Most recently, she served as a professional consultant for nonprofits where she provided organizational development and program planning services. Prior to that, she was program director at Tri-Community Coalition, a nonprofit in Berkley, and  the director of program services at Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in Ferndale. 

Deanna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Development from Oakland University.  

In her free time, she loves watching college football (Go Green!) and discussing current events and politics. She and her wife reside in Royal Oak with their two children.    

Nellie Tsai Bio

As Social Innovation Officer, Nellie Tsai leads Michigan Nonprofit Association’s commitment and strategy to be an equitable, and inclusive organization. Working across the organization she helps lead initiatives that innovate and improve our core services.

Nellie previously served as the Community and Civic Engagement Director at MNA. In this capacity, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign, a collaborative, coordinated, statewide effort to mobilize nonprofits across the state to encourage participation in the upcoming 2020 census. Prior to this role, Nellie led MNA’s K-12 civic leadership program that connected youth to community causes and issues. Her past work experiences include leadership roles in charter school operations, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit development, and program management.

Nellie is an AmeriCorps alumna, and proudly serves on the Associate Board of City Year Detroit and the Volunteer Engagement Committee of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She was selected to be an Independent Sector 2021 American Express NGen Fellow. She is one of 12 outstanding public service leaders age 40 and under, who are helping to build a brighter future for communities nationwide. Nellie is also a Racial Equity Fellow of the Detroit Equity Action Lab, an initiative of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University. In addition to her volunteer work, she holds a K-12 Administrator Certificate from the state of Michigan.

Nellie resides in Detroit with her family and holds a dual degree in Business (MBA) and Educational Studies (MA) from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Go Blue!